Manchester United fans were left deeply divided over Casemiro after the former Real Madrid star’s performance against West Ham at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Casemiro made his long-awaited return for Manchester United in January after a hamstring injury he suffered in the Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle last November.
The 31-year-old Brazilian midfielder started the 4-2 away win against League Two side Newport County in the fourth round of the FA Cup last month.
Casemiro also started in the thrilling Premier League win for United on Thursday, with the Red Devils beating Wolves 4-3 at the Molineux.
The former Los Blancos midfielder was withdrawn in the second half against Wolves after he was fault for the penalty and Erik ten Hag opened up on his decision.
Speaking ahead of the West Ham match (via Manchester United’s official website), Ten Hag said: “He has to catch up as well and with Case, I know the more games he plays, the better he will be.
“He needs some game minutes, that is what he takes the most benefit from.
“In that moment with another foul, he would have been sent off, so we cannot take that risk.”
Casemiro’s display vs West Ham
Casemiro started his second consecutive Premier League match since his return from injury and partnered alongside Kobbie Mainoo in the Manchester United midfield.
The United midfielder impressed during the first half at times and even picked up an assist for the Red Devils’ opener at Old Trafford.
Casemiro effectively pounced on the loose ball and fired it into the path of Rasmus Hojlund, who collected it from outside of the box and found space.
Hojlund then fired a superb strike past a helpless Alphonse Areola to fire United into the lead, with Casemiro picking up his first Premier League assist of the season.
Despite setting up Hojlund, other parts of Casemiro’s midfield performance against West Ham left United fans with mixed feelings over his contributions in the match.
United fans on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, questioned Casemiro’s passing at times and how he was ‘hoofing’ the ball around.
Other supporters claimed that the United star appeared “always one step behind this season” and was “diving in at shadows.”
Man Utd fans divided over Casemiro’s performance
“There were Manchester United fans that were questioning Casemiro,” one fan said.
Somebody else wrote: “The way Casemiro goes to ground easily is annoying. It’s like he doesn’t fancy tracking back.”
A third added: “Casemiro doesn’t even look where he’s passing. The bloke just hoofs it and hopes for the best.”
“Casemiro and [Kobbie] Mainoo in the midfield bring balance to this team, that’s what we’ve been missing man,” another posted.
While a fifth tweeted: “I just feel like Casemiro is always one step behind this season. Definitely not the same player he was last season.”
Someone else commented: “Casemiro is having a bit of a nightmare in midfield TBH, looks miles off it playing silly passes and diving in at shadows.”
And a seventh said: “That Casemiro replacement in the future has a big shoe to fill.”
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